Hi everyone, just wanted to introduce and give a little background on myself. My name is Ryan, I'm 19 years old and live in northern IL. Around 5 years ago my dad was given a '42 Chevy 2 1/2 ton from a friend for free. It barely ran, but we worked a little and got it running enough to run around the yard with it. However we sold it because it was just too big, and every since I've wanted a half ton.
So during highschool I took classes at the communtity college through my highschool, so I would go half the day for junior year to welding and fabrication, then senior year I took collision repair. I actually took 2nd in state Skills USA competition for automotive refinishing
I decided to go to Ohio Technical College for automotive restoration, because at the time it seemed like the perfect program for me. (I had won a lot of money in scholarships for OTC) However, it just wasnt working out for me. I hate to sound 'too good' for the school, but it seemed like I was already way ahead of everyone else, and I was expecting it to be at least a little challenging. In short, it just didnt seem worth my time and more importantly money. So I dropped out after 6 months and landing an internship at a local restoration shop.
I worked there (Nostalgic Autobody) for a few months and learned a lot. And kept searching for a project truck to do on my own. I knew a truck is a lot simpler than a car, and a perfect first project. Anyway the paychecks stopped coming in from the shop (can't explain why?) so I left and went back to work at dominos as an assistant manager and delivery when needed. I saved up all the money for my '54 within 6 months with tip money.
Anyway, back to the truck. Shes a 1954 3100 from a small town about 2 hours south west of Chicago. It has a 305ci from a mid-late 70's Chevy: supposedly ~70k mi, with a 700r4 trans. 10 bolt camaro rear end, disk/drum brakes (new lines and brake booster, dual master) new exhaust and very decent interior. New bed wood and strip kit. All the lights and everything works, even the vacuum wipers! I thought that was pretty cool and funny.
Im pretty sure it has been restored or something in the past. The body is extremely straight, no dents or damage at all. Paint looks good from a few feet back. Although there is some spot primered areas on the fender with filler. To be expected. Anyway its a great example for a '54, the year I absolutely wanted. After about a year searching CL and Ebay I found my number one choice and I couldn't be happier!
Plans for the truck are to get it street worthy, small things like tranny not shifting into OD, carb and choke adjustments and brake bleeding. Then I want to get the body straight and painted, shouldn't be a problem with my background but I know how the little things like to pop up once you start digging around..Im thinking titanium grey and black grille and emblems? I think I'm getting ahead of myself again lol
Im looking forward to all the insight and help this forum provides! I know from when I had my '42, you guys are the best.
Check out the pictures, I know you guys love them!
Flickr By the way quickly, I pulled the gas tank due to it leaking when he tried to fill it up(drips out of the driverside cab corner) and there is this tar-like, almost seam sealer stuff all over the floor behind the tank. Is this normal? I want to get it all out, clean up the metal and use something like por-15 back there.
Thanks everyone who took the time to read this
-Ryan
